Beware of IRS phone scams, Orleans County sheriff warns

NEWPORT — The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a continuing fraud scheme involving calls reportedly from the Department of the Treasury, informing callers that they owe money to the IRS and giving them a return phone number to call back.

Police say the phone numbers commonly used have a California area code.

The Sheriff’s Department business phone lines have been the subject of several of these calls over the past few days.

Deputy Brooks called the number given and said a nearly thirteen-minute dialogue with a “reported” IRS agent ensued.

The agent used fear and intimidation tactics to try and get the victim to forward money discretely and privately, and even says that a warrant will be issued by the Sheriff and the person will be arrested if they don’t comply.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department does not issue arrest warrants and does not enforce federal IRS tax laws.

If you receive one of these calls, hang up and do not return a call to the phone number they provide.

If you think that you do owe money to the IRS, call them directly at 1-800-829-1040.